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The Legislative Assembly intends to reactivate shrimp trawling.

This week, the Agricultural Affairs Committee of the Legislative Assembly announced its intention to reactivate bottom trawling in the country.

Costa Rica has been characterized over the years by the protection of marine wildlife and a balanced management of resources in the marine ecosystem.

The problem with bottom trawling lies in how fishing has been managed in Costa Rica by INCOPESCA, where they decide what can and cannot be fished. However, the mismanagement of fishing methods and the lack of care for marine wildlife have led to institutional problems.

Bottom trawling is not and will not be sustainable, and it is scientifically proven that the incidental damage caused to marine wildlife is much greater than the final product, which in this case is shrimp.

In this article we speak with a specialist on the subject, environmental management lawyer Walter Brenes, who will clarify some details about this topic.

What are three reasons why you do not consider bottom trawling viable?

“First of all, bottom trawling affects biodiversity at the micro and macro level, having a direct impact on marine resources in the areas where this form of fishing is practiced.
Second, bottom trawling directly affects artisanal fishing because by destroying the ecosystem it reduces the possibilities for fishing.
Third, it won't bring more wealth; on the contrary, depleting marine resources will generate poverty for fishermen. So we could define it more simply with two concrete points: 1. Biological-environmental factor
2. Socio-economic factor.”

What regulations can be put in place to prevent the reactivation of bottom trawling?

“The regulations in Costa Rica on these issues are quite extensive, and this is beneficial. We can cite Article 50 of the Political Constitution of Costa Rica, which states that the Costa Rican State must safeguard and guarantee a healthy and ecologically balanced environment for Costa Ricans. This implies that the practice of bottom trawling cannot be approved because it violates this principle.
Another important law is the Wildlife Conservation Law, because this practice involves fishing for marine life that is not commercially viable and is even protected by international agreements.
Furthermore, it is very important to cite Article 105 of the Biodiversity Law, which prohibits any activity whose viability can be demonstrated, and in this case, it is not permissible due to international technical studies that demonstrate that bottom trawling is not sustainable.”

What pros and cons do you see regarding the non-reactivation of bottom trawling?

"The point in favor of not approving it is to protect the marine resource; the point against it, which can be diversified in different ways, is the direct impact on artisanal fishermen who are left without the option of continuing to provide for their families."

What solutions could be implemented to prevent this practice?

"Training can be provided for the use of other fishing methods, seeking ways to raise awareness among fishermen to find more profitable methods that do not affect their interests, the interests of others, or marine life."

The plan had the support of the deputy of the National Restoration Party, Melvin Núñez; of the Social Christian Unity Party, Óscar Cascante; of the National Liberation Party, Aida Montiel; of the independent Ignacio Alpízar; and of New Republic, Carmen Chan and Ivonne Acuña, who replaced Marolin Azofeifa.

Opposing the plan were legislators Mario Castillo of the Citizen Action Party (PAC) and Paola Valladares of the National Liberation Party. Additionally, Zoila Volio, a representative from the National Integration Party, stated that she would support the minority report.

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero